Islanders News: Noah Dobson Wins Back-to-Back Memorial Cups

At long last, there is again NHL hockey tonight. One more series to go before awards, the draft and free agency rule the summer.

Islanders Reading

• Rouyn-Noranda has followed up its QMJHL title with its first Memorial Cup title, which is Islanders prospect Noah Dobson’s second in a row, with two different teams — just the 13th player to do that. [Sportsnet] They’ve also got a post-game, on-ice interview with Dobson, who was a beast throughout the postseason and is going to give the Islanders a tough decision at training camp next fall. He logged well over 30 minutes again.
• According to this report, the Islanders turn their UFA focus to Anders Lee (who may be seeking near $8 million per) and Robin Lehner, while Jordan Eberle is more likely to hit the market. [Fourth Period]
• They’re giving Thomas Greiss’ pokecheck of Sidney Crosby in OT the Isles “Save of the Year.” [Isles]

Elsewhere

Well, here we are. At long last, the Stanley Cup finals are set to begin tonight in Boston. Even if it’s a short series, it will be lengthy — there are lots of two-day gaps in between games on the schedule. Come on, Gloria.

• Many believe the Blues and Bruins are mirror images of each other. For that to be true, however, I believe some unlucky Blues player’s buttocks must look just like Brad Marchand. [NHL]
• Vladimir Tarasenko sure wouldn’t mind joining his Russian Caps friends in putting his name on the Stanley Cup. [NHL]
• The national media (and maybe you too) are starting to discover what an interview gem Jordan Binnington is. It’s a very sincere non-plussed minimum compliance. [STLtoday]
• Here are 10 mini-battles to look to in the series. [Sportsnet]
• Injury updates: Brad (tool) Marchand and David Krejci are expected to play Game 1, but Vince Dunn is expected to still be out. [NHL]
• Not that a player needs any more motivation in the playoffs, but several Blues keep a diehard fan named Laila close to their thoughts. She’s battling a rare disease that kept her in medical isolation for six months, until she started getting to go to playoff games last round. [STLtoday]
• The Jiggs McDonald of the St. Louis Blues was Dan Kelly, who sadly died way too soon. In terms of hockey announcers, I was spoiled with the best. Dan’s son John does Blues TV now and their radio PBP man Chris Kerber insists he does some calls during the finals. [NHL]
• 30 Thoughts on the finals, attempts to trade Phil Kessel, and more. Friedman says DJ Smith was going to be the Islanders coach last summer before Barry Trotz became available. [Sportsnet]
• Finland repeated as World Championship champions, defeating the favorite Canadians, and surely the TSN broadcasters spent at least a minute or two not talking about how the Finns had no NHLers on their roster. (Surely...?) [IIHF] Russia beat the Czechs for bronze. [IIHF]